How we made it: Cheetahs, up close and personal

The Life Story team heard about a unique situation with cheetahs in Zimbabwe involving experienced naturalist Kim Wolhuter.

Over a period of 18 months, and with the permission of the authorities at the Malilangwe Reserve, Kim followed, first in a vehicle and then on foot, a wild female cheetah with her cubs. One of the cubs was fitted with a radio collar to allow Kim to locate the family each morning. They came to totally accept him as an unthreatening part of their environment. This unique relationship allowed Kim to observe their family life in intimate detail. But this relationship was exclusive to Kim - the cheetahs displayed their natural caution to any other human.

A Life Story crew went to Zimbabwe to film the two cheetah cubs making their first big kill. Camerawoman Sophie Darlington filmed from a distance, on a long lens. But Kim, who is also a film-maker, was able to use a camera fitted with gyro-stabilisers to smooth out movement, and film the event from remarkably close quarters. The result is a uniquely intimate portrait of the most critical hunt in these young cheetahs’ lives.